New Alberta Industry Skills Grant
December 1, 2024
Alberta’s government continues to find creative ways to help employers find the qualified workers they need, especially in industries experiencing labour shortages. The new Alberta Industry Skills Grant will fund industry-led training in high-demand sectors like aviation, aerospace, construction and tech. Alberta’s government is making $5 million available through a pilot program to address skill shortages by helping workers gain industry-certified, transferable skills that meet the needs of Alberta’s growing economy.
Alberta’s new program targets critical skill shortages in key sectors, where a lack of skilled workers threatens to slow economic growth and productivity. Alberta is growing. That growth demands skilled workers to support build Alberta’s future. BuildForce Canada projects Alberta’s construction industry will need 22,000 more workers by 2033 to keep pace with demand. The aviation, aerospace and technology sectors also face persistent job vacancies. By prioritizing these vital industries, Alberta’s government aims to fill urgent workforce gaps and equip workers with the skills needed to succeed in Alberta’s most high-demand fields.
“Alberta’s economy continues to grow, and with that growth comes the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce. The Alberta Industry Skills Grant empowers critical industry partners to lead the way in equipping workers with the skills they need for jobs that build Alberta’s future.”Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
The Alberta Industry Skills Grant is unique. It allows Alberta’s government to partner directly with industries to identify skill gaps and create targeted training solutions that ultimately offer benefits to workers, the industry and the broader public. Unlike existing programs, this grant will enable recipients to be self-directed in expanding their training offerings or providing new training opportunities for their employees.
The program is open to employers and industry associations operating in Alberta or serving Alberta employers and workers. By collaborating with industry partners, the program ensures workers gain industry-recognized credentials and transferable skills that meet the workforce needs of Alberta’s growing economy.
The program provides $5 million in total funding for all grants, but each applicant can qualify for funding of up to $1.5 million per project.
Quick facts
- The application period is now open.
- Employers and industry associations can apply until Jan. 24, 2025.
- The Alberta Industry Skills Grant pilot program is part of Alberta at Work’s Workforce Strategies Grant initiative, which supports organizations with innovative solutions that will help Albertans develop new skills and assist employers and industry to grow their workforce.
- Alberta at Work is a multi-year, cross-ministry provincial investment totalling more than $700 million towards helping Albertans develop new skills and grow their careers.
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